GCSE · Chemistry · AQA · Spec 8462

Properties of polymers

From structure to property

Follow the chain from what a polymer is to why it is solid at room temperature.

  1. Atoms linked stronglyWithin each polymer molecule, atoms are linked to other atoms by strong covalent bonds.
  2. Molecules attract each otherBetween separate polymer molecules, the intermolecular forces are relatively strong.
  3. Solid at room temperatureThose relatively strong intermolecular forces help explain why polymers are solids at room temperature.

Within a polymer vs between polymer molecules

Within one polymer moleculevsBetween polymer molecules

These two ideas sound similar but describe different parts of the structure.

Focus

What is connected?

Within one polymer molecule

Atoms within the very large molecule

Between polymer molecules

Separate polymer molecules

The insight

One description is about the structure of a single molecule; the other is about attractions between molecules.

What acts there?

Within one polymer molecule

Strong covalent bonds

Between polymer molecules

Relatively strong intermolecular forces

What does it help explain?

Within one polymer molecule

The bonded structure of the very large molecule

Between polymer molecules

Why the polymer is solid at room temperature

Relationship matrix

Tap any cell to reveal it. Tap a column header to read one property down every item.

What to noticeWhat links or attractsWhy it matters
Polymer moleculewithin the molecule
Polymer moleculesbetween molecules

Each cell hides a short answer and the reason behind it. Predict before you tap.

Spot the polymer

Use structure, not guesswork.

Which description would best match a diagram of a polymer?

Explain why polymers are solid

Problem

Explain why polymers are solids at room temperature using their structure.

WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED

A quick recap of today's lesson.

Very large covalently bonded molecules with relatively strong forces between them.

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